Life around here these days

These are the shoes I wear most of the time these days. While Ohio usually gets about 20 inches of snow a year, 2010 has already dumped more than 30 inches on us and counting. February, which at least is a few days shorter than January, hasn't been much better, perhaps even worse, than its predecessor. Snowy and hard, as the meteorologist said today on TV.

Someone who's taking this bad winter in stride is Magellan, who insists that the clothes dryer is her personal warming spot. Because it's the warmest place in the house, Magellan doesn't miss the opportunity to climb into the dryer after I've removed dried clothes so she can appease her Caribbean blood, which, like me, absolutely hates this Uber-cold weather.

Another one taking this terrible winter in good spirits is Pepper, Lizzy's best friend. At least once or twice a week, we bring her over so that the dogs have a play date and they both love their time together.

Pepper, however, has the advantage of her Labrador blood, which means her hair is totally impermeable and, after a quick drying, she looks just like she did when she walked in the door. But, poor Lizzy, with her non-impermeable Brittany fuzz, walks in covered in icicles and has to be dried vigorously each and every time to remove the chunks of ice that cling to her like ornaments.

The funniest thing is that Lizzy and Pepper don't seem to mind the snow and will romp and chase each other and wrestle as if they were playing in perfect weather. The sight of their glee is enough to improve on the wintriest day.